When I heard about the hot air Balloon festival being held in Sri Lanka after a lapse of 3 years, I immediately booked a ride on a Balloon at Dambulla hoping that it would give me a twist from my usual WildLife Photography to Dare Devil Mid air Photography. Well, the only Dare Devil part of it was fortunately that we were accompanied by two airmen from the Sri Lanka Army's Sky Diving Unit who made a Jump Stunt from 4000 feet. It was exciting watching them Jump Into the Air from the safety of our Balloon fixed on to A Rattan Type of Accomodation for about 15 people.
I was hoping to get a ride near or over Sigiriya, but was later told the usual excuse " Security Reasons ". What security after the WAR!!!. WE ARE IN TIMES OF PEACE.
That was a little disapointing, as we were able to see Sigiriya Rock in the Distant ,hazily covered by Mist. A sight I have never seen nevertheless but hoping for a better view. The ride was covering only a tiny part of Dambulla where we were circling in one area frantically perhaps to avoid us been taken away by the wind to Military Compound or Nearby Wilpattu Jungle. Apparently in Ballooning, You cant steer it... It steers you.

The Morning wasn't great for photography either. The light was Harsh with lots of mist and Haze making it difficult to get crisp photos from the air. . The other disadvantage was we were flying too high thus not been able to get some low level flying shots of the country, we had to do this I think due to the Airmen's stunts and they need this height.But anyway Managed to get some fair shots. I would have loved to be in the Balloon alone steering the pilot to get me the best angles for photography, well that might make a 50 grand hole in my pocket. At a fraction of the price, I guess its what you get for what you pay for.

The Experience was the best part. We were airborne for about 1 hour and we reached ground to be welcomed by inquisitive villagers and Champagne.The majority number of tourists were thrilled by the experience and perhaps also a few locals who seemed to have also enjoyed the trip....Hope you enjoy the pictures. Please click on the picture for Enlargement!!!